Staten Island woman pulls fake gun in argument, cops allege

A woman from Staten Island's West Brighton section could face a year in jail for allegedly pointing an imitation pistol at neighbors yesterday and threatening to kill them.

The episode occurred just after 1 p.m. on the 100 block of North Burgher Avenue.

Antoinette Baranello, 20, became embroiled in a verbal dispute with a husband and wife, a law-enforcement source said. What sparked the argument was unclear.

At one point, Ms. Baranello pulled what appeared to be a black handgun and hissed, "I am going to kill you," court papers said.

The alleged victims called police.

When cops arrived, Ms. Baranello denied threatening the couple, said the source.

On entering her home, officers found two black imitation pistols, one with a brown handle, court papers show.

Cops also saw two plastic bags of marijuana on the living room floor.

Ms. Baranello was charged with two misdemeanor counts each of criminal weapon possession, possessing an imitation pistol and menacing, said a spokesman for District Attorney Daniel Donovan. She also is accused of unlawful marijuana possession, a violation.

Ms. Baranello could be sentenced to up to a year behind bars if convicted of any of the misdemeanors.